Bear knocks woman to ground after walking into California home as she took trash out
A woman found herself face-to-face with a bear in her California home when she returned from taking out the trash, authorities said.
The woman took out the trash “in broad daylight” in North Lake Tahoe on Thursday, June 16, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office said. She left the front door open as she stepped out, and a bear used that time to walk in.
“The victim had gone back into the home and came face-to-face with the bear, who scratched the victim’s face and knocked them to the ground,” the sheriff’s office said June 22 in a news release. “Fortunately, the victim was able to get away from the bear and call 911.”
When deputies arrived at the home, they found the bear had climbed a nearby tree. California wildlife officials were called out to the home and took the bear. The sheriff’s office did not say what happened to the bear.
Officials did not know the woman’s current condition.
Deputies used the incident as a reminder for people to leave their house and car doors locked.
“Remember to not leave any food or wrappers, crumbs, etc. lying around in your car or in an unsecured trash can – bears have an extraordinary sense of smell and trust us – they WILL claw their way into anything to get to the food,” deputies said.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SEE A BEAR
Bear attacks in the U.S. are rare, according to the National Park Service. Bears in most attacks are trying to defend their food, cubs or space.
There are some steps people can take to help prevent a bear encounter from becoming a bear attack.
Identify yourself: Talk calmly and slowly wave your arms. This can help the bear realize you’re a human and nonthreatening.
Stay calm: Bears usually don’t want to attack, but they want to be left alone. Talk slowly and with a low voice to the bear.
Don’t scream: Screaming could trigger an attack
Pick up small children: Don’t let the kids run away from the bear. It could think they’re small prey.
Hike in groups: A group is noisier and smellier, the National Park Service said. Bears like to keep their distance from groups of people.
Make yourself look big: Move to higher ground and stand tall. Don’t make any sudden movements.
Don’t drop your bag: A bag on your back can keep a bear from accessing food, and it can provide you some protection.
Walk away slowly: Move sideways so you appear less threatening to the bear. This also lets you keep an eye out.
Again, don’t run: Bears will chase you, just like a dog would.
Don’t climb trees: Grizzlies and black bears can also climb.
This story was originally published June 22, 2022 at 3:16 PM with the headline "Bear knocks woman to ground after walking into California home as she took trash out."